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Liberal Arts and Sciences at California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt

Arcata, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $27,303/yr (-27% vs median)

AI Risk Low (0% exposed)

Job Market Medium (13,500 openings/yr)

ROI 14.4x earnings multiple (5.7x out-of-state)

Ranked #353 of 424 Liberal Arts and Sciences programs

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Liberal Arts and Sciences graduates.

	Optimistic No Disruption	Base Case Gradual AI	Pessimistic Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings	$454K	$454K	$430K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	14.4x	14.4x	13.6x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	5.7x	5.7x	5.4x
Probability of Field Employment	45%	45%	45%
DegreeOutlook Score	24	23	31

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$31,652

Out-of-state: $79,172 (5.7x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$52,668

-66% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$15,993

7.0 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$38,082

39% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Starting salaries of $27,303/yr fall 27% below the $37,172 national median for Liberal Arts and Sciences. The financial case depends heavily on whether tuition compensates.

With a 14.4x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 5% spread between best and worst-case AI scenarios signals strong resilience. Most career paths mapped to Liberal Arts and Sciences involve work that current AI cannot replicate.

At $15,993 against $27,303/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #353 ranking among 424 Liberal Arts and Sciences programs places California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

A 39% earnings increase from $27,303 to $38,082 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt

California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt has a 99% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, with a mid-sized student body of 5,491 in Arcata, CA. Pell Grant recipients make up 46% of the student body — a marker of economic diversity.

See all programs and financial aid at California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt →

Top Career Paths

Postsecondary teachers, all other $78,490/yr

View all 1 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Liberal Arts and Sciences at Other Schools

Other Majors at California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt

Consider the Trade Route?

Trade programs often mean less time in school, lower student debt, and hands-on career paths that tend to be more resilient to AI disruption.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 23/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Liberal Arts and Sciences at California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt?

At 23/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Liberal Arts and Sciences programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.

Is California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt a good choice for Liberal Arts and Sciences despite lower starting pay?

Starting salary is one data point. If California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.

Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →